Definition

Blood pressure is the force that blood puts on the blood vessel walls. Blood pressure measurements include two numbers:

Systolic pressure: top number, normal reading is 120 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) or less

Diastolic pressure: bottom number, normal reading is 80 mmHg or less

High blood pressure is
abnormally high
pressure and is defined as:

Systolic pressure greater than 140 mmHg and/or

Diastolic pressure greater than 90 mmHg

You are considered
prehypertensive
if your systolic blood pressure is between 120-139 mmHg, or your diastolic pressure is between 80- 89 mmHg. Ideally lifestyle changes or treatment can stop or delay this from moving to high blood pressure.

High blood pressure puts stress on the heart, lungs, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels. Over time, this condition can damage these organs and tissues.

Diagnosis

High blood pressure is often diagnosed during a doctor's visit.
Blood pressure
is measured using an arm cuff and a special device. If your reading is high, you will come back for repeat checks. If you have 3 visits with readings over 140/90 mmHG, you will be diagnosed with high blood pressure.

Sometimes people become anxious at the doctor's office. This may result in a higher than normal blood pressure reading. You may be asked to measure your blood pressure at home or in another location.

Treatment

Treatment will focus on reducing the pressure on the blood vessels. Improving the blood pressure will help to decrease the stress on important organs. It can also decrease your risk of:

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

What is high blood pressure?
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at:
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Hbp/HBP%5FWhatIs.html.
Updated August 2, 2012. Accessed September 30, 2014.